COZY CHILI

Turkey Chili

Lean ground turkey simmered with peppers, onion, garlic, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, and cumin until thick and hearty.

Turkey Chili is warm, filling, and lighter than classic beef chili while still tasting rich and comforting. Aromatics build the base before the remaining ingredients simmer to tenderness.

Jump to Recipe
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings6
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 2 cans beans, drained
  • 1 cup broth

Substitutions

  • Lean ground chicken can replace ground turkey; keep the mixture cold and cook it to 165°F.
  • For Turkey Chili, exchange seasonal vegetables only for ones with similar density, cutting firmer choices smaller.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened

Cook onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened.

Step 2: Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink

Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until no pink remains and it reaches 165°F.

Cook ground turkey until no longer pink and it reaches 165°F for Turkey Chili

Step 3: Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper

Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and broth

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and broth.

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and broth for Turkey Chili

Step 5: Simmer until thick and flavorful, then serve with toppings

Simmer until thick and flavorful, then serve with toppings.

Simmer Turkey Chili until thick and flavorful, then serve with toppings
Finished Turkey Chili ready to serve

How to Store Leftovers

Cool Turkey Chili in shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Keep cheese, sour cream, avocado, and other fresh toppings separate.

How to Reheat

Warm Turkey Chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if it is too thick. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot throughout.

What to Serve With It

  • Cornbread
  • Shredded cheese
  • Avocado and green onions
  • A crisp salad

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Adding the tomatoes and broth before the turkey is fully browned, which can leave large pale crumbles and reduce the chili’s depth of flavor.
  • Adding all the salt before the chili reduces, which can leave the finished pot overly salty.
  • Simmering too aggressively or for too long, which can dry out the turkey, break down the beans, and make the chili thicker than intended.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 365
Protein 32g
Carbohydrates 38g
Fat 10g
Sugar 9g

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know the turkey is cooked?

Cook the ground turkey until no pink remains and it reaches 165°F before adding the tomatoes, beans, and broth.

Can Turkey Chili be frozen?

Yes. Cool it completely, freeze in portion-size containers for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can ground chicken replace turkey?

Yes. Use the same amount and cook it to 165°F; the flavor will be slightly milder.

About the Author

Written and edited by the FreshFork Recipes Team.

More Recipes

Similar Recipes

Try another fresh and easy recipe from FreshFork Recipes.